Belfast: Black Taxi Tour of The Troubles, Peace Wall & Murals

Summary

Stories, murals, and history on Belfast’s streets by black taxi

You’ll ride through Belfast’s divided streets in a black taxi with a local driver who shares real stories from both sides. See Shankill’s loyalist murals, touch the famous Peace Wall covered in messages, and hear about Falls Road’s turbulent past right where it happened. Expect honest conversation and moments that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way our driver tapped the steering wheel as we rolled down Shankill — like he knew every crack in the pavement. He introduced himself as Billy, said he’d grown up just a few streets away. The air inside the black taxi smelled faintly of leather and something metallic, maybe old coins or memory. We stopped by a mural — not one of those neat tourist ones but a big, raw painting of faces I didn’t recognize. Billy pointed out each one, his voice softer than I expected when he talked about the families behind them.

I didn’t realize how close everything is here — you cross from Loyalist to Republican neighborhoods in what feels like seconds. At the Belfast Peace Wall, I ran my fingers over layers of paint and marker messages (some in languages I couldn’t place). Billy laughed when I asked if people really still add new graffiti; “Every week,” he said. There was this odd silence as we stood there, broken only by kids shouting somewhere behind us and the distant thump of music from an open window.

Falls Road felt different again — sharper somehow, with murals that almost vibrated with color. Our guide explained how the Provisional IRA started here, but it wasn’t just facts; he told us about growing up during The Troubles, what it meant to walk to school past soldiers and barricades. At the Bobby Sands mural outside Sinn Féin’s office, I tried to imagine hunger strikes and headlines from decades ago. It’s strange how history can feel so close you almost trip over it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Belfast's Troubles history and murals

• Learn history from 1690 Battle of the Boyne
• Hear about Troubles from 1969 to 1998
• Walk Loyalist area and see murals
• Photograph loyalist wall murals
• Visit Belfast Peace Wall and learn its history
• See art and messages on peace walls
• Visit Falls Road and learn IRA origins
• See political murals on Falls Road
• Visit Sinn Fein press office and Bobby Sands mural
• Hear about 1981 Irish hunger strike

Top questions

How long does the Belfast Black Taxi tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

What sites are included on this Troubles tour?

You visit Shankill Road, Belfast Peace Wall, Falls Road, and see political murals including the Bobby Sands mural.

Is pickup included for this tour?

Yes, pickup is included in an air-conditioned black taxi.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome.

Who leads the Black Taxi tours in Belfast?

The tours are led by local drivers from both Republican and Loyalist backgrounds.

Is public transport nearby for after the tour?

Yes, there are public transportation options available near the tour route.

Can you take photos during the tour?

Yes, you’re encouraged to take your own photographs of murals and sites along the way.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in an air-conditioned black taxi with a local driver who guides you through Shankill Road, Falls Road, and stops at key murals like Bobby Sands’. The experience covers all main Troubles sites along with personal stories—just bring your curiosity and maybe a camera for those walls that speak louder than words.